USWNT Star Trinity Rodman Suffers Back Injury in SheBelieves Cup

Recurring issue raises concerns about physical toll on elite women's soccer players

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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U.S. Women's National Team forward Trinity Rodman left Sunday's SheBelieves Cup match against Argentina early due to a back injury sustained after a hard foul. Rodman has a history of recurring back problems, highlighting the growing challenges faced by professional women's soccer players as the sport becomes more physically demanding.

Why it matters

Rodman's injury reignites concerns about the long-term physical toll on elite athletes in the increasingly professionalized women's soccer landscape. As the game becomes more intense and scrutinized, player health and injury management are critical issues for teams and leagues to address.

The details

Rodman, 23, left the match in stoppage time after a hard foul from Argentina's Milagros Martin. The injury is particularly worrying given Rodman's history with back problems, which she has described as a condition that 'will never be 100 percent.' The rising physicality and demands of the women's game, driven by increased professionalization and higher expectations, are contributing factors to the risk of such recurring injuries.

  • Rodman left the match against Argentina in stoppage time on March 1, 2026.
  • Rodman spent much of 2025 recovering from a recurring back issue.

The players

Trinity Rodman

A 23-year-old forward for the U.S. Women's National Team who has a history of recurring back problems.

Milagros Martin

An Argentine player who committed the foul that led to Rodman's injury in the SheBelieves Cup match.

Emma Hayes

The head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team, who did not provide an immediate update on Rodman's condition after the match.

Washington Spirit

The NWSL team that Rodman plays for, who are set to begin their season on March 13th.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The USWNT will continue the SheBelieves Cup schedule with games against Canada on March 4th and Colombia on March 7th. Head coach Emma Hayes will need to carefully manage player workloads and prioritize injury prevention as the team prepares for future competitions.

The takeaway

Rodman's injury highlights the growing physical demands and risks faced by elite women's soccer players as the sport becomes more professionalized. Effective injury management and prevention strategies will be crucial for teams and leagues to support player health and long-term sustainability of the women's game.